Assembly Schedules Hearings on ACFs and State Portion of SSI Rate

The New York State Assembly Health, Social Services, and Aging Committees have announced joint public hearings on Adult Care Facilities (ACFs) for the month of September. The purpose of the hearings is "to examine the safety and quality of residential units and public spaces in residential adult care facilities, commonly known as adult homes, including: enforcement of health and safety standards; privacy of residents; and residents’ access to supportive and social services, health care, meals, and transportation." The notice further explains that advocates have expressed concerns about the adequacy of the current State Supplement Program (SSP), which is the state portion of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit. Per the announcement, "the hearings will examine the availability and quality of services delivered through these homes, and what, if any, changes need to be made to improve such service delivery, including the impact an increase in SSP support would affect the residents of these homes."

Two separate hearings are scheduled:

New York City: Tues., Sept. 19, 2017, 11 a.m.

Syracuse: Thurs., Sept. 28, 2017, 11 a.m.

Click here for the public notice of the hearings, which contains more detailed information about the hearings and locations and includes the reply form that must be completed if you plan to attend and/or testify. Members that serve SSI recipients are encouraged to testify.

LeadingAge NY has been advocating for an increase in the state portion of the Congregate Care Level 3 SSI benefit for years. The rising costs of providing care are making it increasingly difficult to care for low income seniors in the ACF setting, on just $41 per day. Unfortunately, nursing homes are often the only option for SSI/Medicaid-eligible seniors if ACFs can't afford to care for them. Thus, it is imperative that the state increase the SSP rate to enable seniors to live in the least restrictive setting possible. We had significant progress this year: the Senate and Assembly both passed a bill that, if signed by the Governor, would implement an increase in SSP effective April 1, 2018. To date, that bill has not been sent to the Governor for his consideration. Click here for more information and advocacy materials.

Members planning to testify at the hearings are reminded to submit the required form to the Assembly as soon as possible. Please also let us know that you plan to attend.